Comparative & Superlative
Use the comparative form to compare two things, and the superlative form to compare one thing to all others in a group. Short adjectives add -er/-est, while longer adjectives use more/most. Irregular forms include good/better/best and bad/worse/worst.
WHEN TO USE
Use comparative (+ than) to compare two things or people. Use superlative (the + est / the most) to compare one thing against all others in a group.
STRUCTURE
Short adj + -er + than / the + adj + -estThis bag is cheaper than that one. It's the cheapest in the store.
more + long adj + than / the most + long adjShe is more talented than her sister. She is the most talented in the class.
Irregular: good → better → best / bad → worse → worstToday's weather is worse than yesterday. This is the worst day of my life.
SIGNAL WORDS
- than
- the most
- the least
- much more
- far better
- by far the
EXAMPLES
This hotel is cheaper than the one near the airport.
She is the most talented student in the class.
Today's weather is worse than yesterday.
He runs faster than anyone else on the team.
This is the best pizza I have ever eaten.
SPELLING RULES (HE/SHE/IT)
| Short adj (1 syllable) | add -er / -est | tall → taller → tallest |
|---|---|---|
| Ends in -e | add -r / -st | nice → nicer → nicest |
| Short adj ending in consonant-vowel-consonant | double consonant + -er/-est | big → bigger → biggest |
| Ends in consonant + y | change y → ier / iest | happy → happier → happiest |
| 2+ syllables | more / most + adjective | beautiful → more beautiful → most beautiful |
COMMON MISTAKES
She is more tall than me.
She is taller than me.
Short adjectives (1 syllable) use -er, not 'more'
This is the most good film.
This is the best film.
'Good' has an irregular superlative: best (not most good)
Tip
A rough guide: 1-syllable adjectives → add -er/-est. 3+ syllable adjectives → always use more/most. 2-syllable adjectives → it depends (check a dictionary or memorize common ones like 'happier', 'more useful').